Reidi Gul (ریدی گل ) By Ghani Khan 

Ghani Khan  (1914–1996) was a Pashto language poet of the 20th century. His family background was political but his poetry predominantly focused on Anti-political slogan. He  is also distinguished for his poetry on philosophy of Allah, philosophy of aesthetism linked with Allah,  Self determination, and most of all symbolic poetry.

On Aesthetism (Husn Parasti), addressing Mullah: 
“Sardaari Na Keegi  Da Turi Da Mastai Na Beghair, Ao Allah Leday Na Shy Da Husn Parastai Na Beghair.” 

means if you are not aesthetic, if you cannot see beauty in human beings;  you cannot find Allah,  because Allah is beautiful in his own and created beauty in everything.

One of his poem which is related to symbolism i.e. REIDI GUL. Poem has so many powerful and extra motivational phrases. From my perspective it is for the youth of current generation and would be for the future generation. Youth, that is been suppressed and  de tracked by the society and our elite class, Ghani Khan give them hope and strong message not to be depressed but to stand still till your recognition, you are there for a reason.

The driving force for me of Ghani Khan’s, Reidi Gul,  to translate it with modern perspective was - I have observed, many friends of mine who even don’t know about Ghani Khan and his poetry, but their life is so accordingly to the message of him. They stand still and surpassed many milestones. They became distinguished in their fields and now work successfully. When I read Reidi Gul, it reminded and linked me with those friends who suffered in their lives and of all their career they were alone, but they worked in silence. But many of them always complain about their lives. Ghani Khan rescue them in his poetic way:

Here we go with the poem:

Reidi Gul – means Desert Flower, that stand and grow solo in a desert without any companion.

Ghani Khan, depressed, suppressed came closer to Reidi Gul, and exhale with sadness, “you are just like me”,  away from the colors of life, with no companionship, separated from all, burning in direct sunlight. Gul replied, I’d not give up, I am unique the way I am, let me as I am. There are many flowers like me who enjoys companionship of their fellows in garden but no one notice them, they have no identity. I’m identified in this cursed desert. Everyone recognize me and notice me, so I won’t give up on my shine, my identity and recognition even for the Iranian garden. Khan, do not lose heart someday, someone will come and will recognize your value, just the way you came to me.

The message is so clear for those youth who always fear for getting recognition and fear of failure. Follow your dreams and do not listen to naysayers, never give up, and be confident in what you do. There may be tough times, but the difficulties which you face will make you more determined to achieve your objectives and to win against all the odds. Create your own identity, there are many who works in same channel but no one care about them. Be Different!

Remember: Once the great William Shakespeare said “Feel The Pain Until It Hurts No More”.


                                            Here is the complete song with subtitles.